Tony Austin

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Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

The best of both worlds--that's a great description of record executive turned rapper Tony Austin (aka Mr. Make It Happen), a viral and mixtape breakout artist. His story is a fascinating one.

The versatile Baltimore hip-hop artist can roll on any scene, as witnessed by his transitions from a rough upbringing in West Baltimore to being an A&R Executive at Def Jam Records, to now seriously representing on the mike.

Tony started as a promoter in his hometown, putting on big comedy shows with comedians like Steve Harvey and Chris Tucker, and promoting concerts for Jodeci, Diddy, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Barry White and Aaron Hall. That led him to promoting the national tours of R. Kelly and LL Cool J. And though his cousin is Kevin Liles, who was President of Def Jam Records at the time, Tony still paid his own dues and worked his way up, beginning as Kevin's driver. Staying on his grind, he worked his way up to being an A&R Executive at Def Jam Records. His first project was to oversee DMX's Grand Champ album, which sold 312,000 units in its first week and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, eventually going platinum. The success of that album legitimized Austin's skills as a person who knows music. Tony was subsequently drafted by hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons, to become a partner and President of Russell Simmons Music Group. Also an entrepreneur, Austin owns a hot strip club in his native Charm City, called The New 2 O'Clock Club.

"Mr. Make It Happen" forayed onto the other side of hip-hop, with the release of a popular mixtape with DJ Drama, under the Gangsta Grillz brand, called "The Influence." It contains collabos with Gucci Mane, Beanie Sigel, OJ Da Juiceman, Yo Gotti and many others. The fascinating Austin is also a viral favorite on the internet, with the "Reality Check" video and a current video with Waka Flocka Flame circulating.

The ambitious, focused Tony Austin is definitely making it happen. He's sthe real deal--"The Wire" isn't the only interesting story out of Baltimore!

To check him out: Website --www.tonyaustinent.com
Follow him on Twitter -- @tonyaustinmusic